The long-awaited clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford is finally here, marking the beginning of a new era in boxing. This Saturday, UFC CEO Dana White takes a significant leap into the boxing arena as part of the promotional team for this dream matchup featuring two legendary champions. Canelo Alvarez has solidified his status as one of the biggest stars of his generation, while the undefeated Terence Crawford has established his own remarkable legacy over the past decade. A victory for Crawford could signal a potential shifting of the guard in the boxing world.
MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee and Jed Meshew delve into the critical implications of this megafight. One of the pressing questions is whether a win for Crawford would elevate him to the top of the boxing hierarchy. Lee argues that the opportunity is ripe for Crawford. Despite being regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters globally, he has yet to break into the mainstream like his contemporaries. Boxers like Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Naoya Inoue have garnered much buzz, overshadowing Crawford’s achievements.
Lee believes that if Crawford defeats Canelo convincingly, it could finally grant him the recognition he has long deserved. At 37 years old, Crawford may not hold on to this position for long, but a significant win could maximize his earning potential during the twilight of his career. Meshew, however, takes a different stance, suggesting that even if Crawford wins, he might consider retiring. With nothing left to prove and a lucrative payday on the line, stepping away at 42-0 as a top pound-for-pound boxer might be the optimal choice for him.
Another pressing question surrounding this historic matchup is its potential viewership. Lee expresses concern over the lack of buzz leading up to the fight, noting that the promotional effort has felt somewhat disjointed. The change of date and location, coupled with an undercard that lacks star power, has dampened excitement. Despite the anticipation that will build as fight time approaches, Lee doubts the event will achieve the hype levels seen during past iconic fights.
Meshew acknowledges that while the fight may not generate the same hype as Tyson vs. Paul, it still possesses significant appeal. He refers to the "Mom Test," a gauge of a fight's popularity based on casual conversations. With the event being broadcast on Netflix, a platform that many people use, it could attract a decent audience. However, Meshew predicts that the numbers won't reach the lofty heights of 50-60 million viewers, especially with college football competing for attention on the same night.
As for how the fight will unfold, Lee anticipates that Crawford's skill set could push Canelo to perform at his best. Despite Canelo's reputation for being cautious in recent years, Lee believes Crawford will bring out his competitive edge. He predicts that Crawford will outwork Canelo and land the most significant punches, even though Canelo is likely to make a strong showing in the later rounds. Lee also foresees potential controversy regarding the judges’ scorecards, a common occurrence in boxing.
Conversely, Meshew is confident in Canelo's victory, suggesting that he will win with relative ease. He acknowledges Crawford's talent but points out the significant size disadvantage Crawford faces in this match. Meshew highlights that Canelo’s decision to take this fight indicates his confidence in winning, as he is selective about his opponents at this stage of his career. For Crawford, the opportunity to face Canelo is too significant to decline, but for Canelo, this fight is all about maximizing reward while managing risk.
In conclusion, the showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford promises to be a landmark event in boxing history, with vast implications for both fighters and the sport as a whole. As the fight approaches, fans around the world eagerly anticipate what could be a defining moment in boxing's legacy.
